The public gallery was filled for the debate with gay and lesbian couples and their families who had come to witness the historic moment.

Gay rights campaigner, Rodney Croome, was among those present.

Outside the chamber, he said it was an emotional moment.

"It means so much to people like me people in same-sex relationships who have been told all our lives that those relationships are second rate not as good, not as loving, not as committed and what our parliament has done, what our Lower House has done today is said no you're equal".

"Oh, it's just overwhelming and this half way to be being able to marry my boyfriend so I'm thrilled," he said.

So too was the Greens Leader Nick McKim.

"So proud to be a member of progressive government."

But Premier Lara Giddings says there is still a long way to go.

"I don't want to celebrate until we get it through the House because ultimately this is about getting that final change."

The Legislative Council is expected to consider the bill next month.

Opposition leader Will Hodgman has attacked Labor backbencher Brenton Best for using the debate on the same sex marriage bill to revive his gay hate allegations against the Liberal MP Michael Ferguson.

The Labor backbencher told Parliament Mr Ferguson had worked with Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby in 2003 to prepare submissions that were 'hateful to homosexual people'.

In the house last year, Mr Best accused the Liberal MP of attending anti-gay rallies, but later said he had no proof and gave a written apology.

Mr Hodgman slammed Mr Best's speech on the same-sex marriage bill, saying it was filled with mistruths and unsubstantiated claims.

"You have demeaned this debate which was respectful and courteous by dragging yourself and this Parliament back into the gutter," he said.

"It was an outrageous contempt of the practices of this House, and and you Premier should be ashamed that you allowed it to happen."